Three Clipper Golf Team Members Qualify for 2024 NWAC Championships

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) would like to congratulate student-athletes Luke Fenner, Grace Hurley, and Vicki Steigner for qualifying for the 2024 NWAC Golf Championships in Yakima, Wash. The championship tournament will decide the overall league champion and individual players will have a chance to take home medals for their performance. The NWAC Golf Championships will take place from May 19 to 20 at the Apple Tree Resort Golf Course. 

The SPSCC Golf program is in its inaugural season under the direction of Head Coach Russell Olsen. The Clipper Golf Teams started their season in September of 2023, playing in the Grays Harbor/PLU Invitational. In October, the teams played their first-ever NWAC League Match, competing in the Southwestern Oregon Tournament.

Luke Fenner has played well in his freshman season for the Clippers, averaging a gross score of 81.3 per round. Hurley and Steigner have also played a strong game on the women's circuit with average gross scores of 108.6 and 124.8, respectively.

When asked about playing for a newly established sports club, Hurley said, "It feels great to be one of the people to kick off the golf program at SPSCC. I'm very happy to have this opportunity; I'm super excited and honored to be making it to the NWAC Championships."

Fenner echoed his teammate's enthusiasm about playing for a first-year program, saying, "I feel honored to be a part of a new program and I'm excited to play the championship. [But] I don't deserve any of the credit; all the credit goes to my coaches and my family."

Coach Olsen spoke highly of his players and their accomplishments, saying, "We are extremely excited to have three athletes qualifying for the NWAC Golf Championships in year one of our program. Luke Fenner and Grace Hurley were our first two signings both from Black Hills High School and have served as cornerstones for our program. Vicki Steigner has shown a dedication and commitment to improvement all year and it is nice to see that rewarded.

He concluded, "We are very appreciative of the support we have received from SPSCC, the SPSCC Foundation, and the greater Thurston County Community. We look forward to future success in the coming years. Go Clippers!"